Harsh Vardhan , Union health minister, today launched Pneumosil, India's first Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), developed by Serum Institute of India in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Speaking at the event, Harsh Vardhan said vaccines from Serum Institute are used in 170 countries and emphasised that the company has developed this vaccine during the Coronavirus pandemic and also got the government's approval. He also said this vaccine development falls in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the prime minister's vision. Harsh Vardhan also said that Pneumonia is the single-largest infectious cause of death among children under five years, worldwide. Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman, Poonawalla Group of Industries and Founder, Serum Institute and Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer, Serum Institute, were also present, among other senior government officials.

Source: Mint December 28, 2020 15:43 UTC